Turbonilla viridaria is a species of small sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Pyramidellidae, the pyrams and their allies. This species is a common inhabitant of the coastal waters of the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
Description & Characteristics
The shell of Turbonilla viridaria is characterized by its slender, elongated shape, typically reaching a maximum size of about 10 millimeters in length. It is white to pale yellowish in color, with a smooth, glossy surface. The shell is composed of numerous whorls, each with fine spiral lines. The aperture is oval-shaped, and the outer lip is thin and sharp. The spire, or pointed tip of the shell, is generally tall and slender.
Habitat and Occurrence
Turbonilla viridaria is primarily found in the intertidal and subtidal zones of the northeastern Pacific Ocean. It is a common species along the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington. This species prefers rocky habitats and can be found in a variety of marine zones, including the infralittoral zone, which extends from the low tide mark to the depth where light penetration is sufficient for photosynthesis. This means that Turbonilla viridaria is found in areas where it is periodically exposed to air during low tide but also spends significant time submerged in seawater.
Taxonomy
Turbonilla viridaria is classified within the phylum Mollusca, class Gastropoda, and family Pyramidellidae. The Pyramidellidae is a diverse family of small, often delicate, marine snails. The family is characterized by the presence of a prominent, often elongated spire, and the aperture is typically narrow and oval-shaped.
Feeding
Like many other pyrams, Turbonilla viridaria is a carnivore, feeding primarily on other small marine invertebrates. It uses its radula, a rasping tongue-like structure, to scrape food from its prey. Turbonilla viridaria is an important part of the marine food web, playing a role in controlling the populations of other small invertebrates.
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